Moving songs recommended for high school students: classic and popular Japanese hits

Letter ~To You, Fifteen~Anjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter: To You, Fifteen” Music Video (HD)

This song, which begins with the gentle sound of piano, is based on a letter Angela Aki wrote to her future self when she was 15.

The lyrics feel like an exchange of letters between a troubled 15-year-old “me” and the future self who replies—an especially moving piece.

It gently stays close to the emotional ups and downs of a sensitive time and seems to encourage you, reminding you that the future isn’t only dark.

Released in September 2008 as her eighth single, the track is also included on the album ANSWER.

It was chosen as a required piece for the NHK National School Music Contest, and is also known as a song featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta and as the theme song of the film “Have a Song on Your Lips.” It’s an inspiring anthem that will resonate with your heart as you graduate and set out on a new path.

Before GoodbyeAAA

AAA / "Before the Goodbye" Music Video

AAA can dance, every member sings, and some members are active as actors as well, so they work across a wide range of fields.

Even as their individual activities stand out, their love for the group remains unchanged, and they likely have many loyal fans.

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko

Beetle – aiko (Full)

This is a song that expresses a girl’s feelings.

It’s no exaggeration to say that aiko speaks for the sweet and bittersweet emotions of love that every girl experiences.

Aiko’s vocals are adorable, and her songs have a vibe that makes you want to fall in love—sure to make girls feel excited.

MiracleGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Kiseki

GReeeeN is a four-member group, and all of them work as dentists, so they perform without showing their faces.

Their four-part harmony is one of a kind, and they’re so popular that crowds gather at their concerts even though they don’t reveal their identities.

Recently, a film depicting the story of how GReeeeN was formed has been released, bringing them back into the spotlight.

I love youback number

back number – I Love You

Back number is a three-piece rock band that enjoys overwhelming support for their vividly descriptive lyrics.

This song is a warm number that reminds us that the most precious treasures are found in ordinary, everyday scenes.

From simple images like fallen leaves in a park or a bakery by the station, the lyrics convey a clumsy yet earnest desire to make a loved one happy—something that truly hits home.

Many listeners will likely be moved by its gentle worldview.

Released in October 2022, the song is also included on the album “Humor” and was selected as the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Maiagare!” Why not listen to it during a quiet moment—like on your way to school—while thinking of someone special?

StargazeSixTONES

SixTONES – Stargaze [YouTube ver.]

This is a song by SixTONES that drew attention even before its release because it was written specifically for them by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS.

Released in 2025, the group’s 10th anniversary year, the track was chosen as the support song for Nippon TV’s 45th National High School Quiz Championship.

Its poetic lyrics and dramatic sound come together to make you feel as if you’re watching a scene from a coming-of-age film.

You can almost see friends joining hands and facing hardships head-on with hope in their hearts.

This piece gives a powerful push to anyone striving toward a goal, so it’s also recommended listening before an important exam or game.

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]

This song by DISH// features gentle vocals and a warm melody that deeply resonate.

Combining a march-inspired arrangement with choral elements, it centers on the feelings of exam-takers and gratitude toward family.

Released in November 2021, it was chosen as the theme song for the NTV drama “The Winner in February: The Classroom of Guaranteed Success.” Co-written by Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu, the track carries a message to encourage students preparing for exams.

It’s a song we hope will be heard not only by those studying hard every day, but by anyone facing challenges or difficulties—a true anthem of support.

The word “thank you” echoes beautifully throughout this wonderful piece.